Recep Tayyip Erdogan preparing for a lifetime in power

ISTANBUL - His aim is to no longer rely on the collaboration of nationalists, thus freeing himself from counterweights.

Despite his rhetoric against Israel and his support for Hamas, there is a belief that he is attempting to maintain connections with the West.

Opposition Turkish media are reposting that "the steps that could make Recep Tayyip Erdogan the lifelong president of Turkey are beginning to unfold." Erdogan disclosed his intent to amend the electoral law for the election of the Turkish president that he personally implemented, wherein the candidate securing 50% plus one vote is elected president. At the same time, plans for amending the Turkish Constitution, allowing for the re-election of the president of Turkey without any imposed limits, are leaking.

"[Changing the 50+1 limit] would be effective. If the procedure for electing the candidate with the...